Romans 1:1-7
Observe
Paul is writing this letter - he doesn't say where he is writing it from but it is clear that he is writing to the Christians in Rome. He repeats the word "called" (v.1, 5, 6, 7) and compares the earthly heritage of Christ (from the line of David) with the spiritual heritage of Christ (Son of God) - both speaking to the fact that Jesus is the Messiah.
Interpret
Paul is reminding his readers that they are part of something bigger than themselves and that ultimately it is God who called them (more than their choosing it). Paul has the sense that he is called to be an apostle who calls others to belong to Christ and be obedient to him. There's a deep sense of responsibility attached.
Paul also has a deep sense of the history of the redemption story: the good news from God was spoken of way before Christ - it is seen in the ancient writings of the prophets. This is not new! The plan of God was being worked out all through human history.
Apply
This shows me that God is sovreign. Sometimes I forget that he rules and that he knows the future - nothing catches him off guard. He doesn't react to situations but knew they were coming even before time began. I can't comprehend this but this passage reminds me that it is true.
Paul has challenged me with a deep sense of belonging and responsibility. This gospel of God that I have been called to goes back all through history. I feel the weight of responsibility to continue to tell and work out the story of redemption in my context. I feel the weight of my spiritual heritage - as if the prophets, apostles and early Christians have handed down the torch of faith through the centuries until it has reached me. I now have the responsibility to shine the light of Christ and bring the message of reconciliation to this world. I have been called!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Opening Arguments
Romans 1:14-17
If the book of Romans was a doctoral thesis, then the first 15 verses are like the dedication and preface or introduction and verses 16-17 are the opening arguments for Paul's case (or his thesis that he will argue for the rest of the book). Verse 17b makes a good outline for the book of Romans: The just will live by faith. The actual outline is "By faith, the just will live." Some of Paul's argument is laid out just before that: the gospel displays the power and glory of God because in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed (later we'll see that this righteousness does not come from observing the law but by God's grace, accepted through faith, therefore "The just will live by faith.").
The gospel displays the power of God because it is the story of how God takes a powerless and depraved human race and offers them righteousness and restoration - not through any effort on their part but based solely on the grace of God - if they will simply believe and submit to Jesus' right to rule their lives. What is there to be ashamed of in that?
I think that if I were to honestly examine my life, I am ashamed of the gospel and so is most of Christianity. However, lets not deflect the focus off of myself. I have subtly changed the gospel to: "what are you missing from your life? Christ can meet that felt need or desire." Now the gospel is not the power of God to restore people to their true purpose for their creation but the gospel is nothing more than "God is like a more intelligent Dr. Phil; he can solve your problems without exposing them to an international tv audience." The part of the gospel that I have removed is the part about us being sinners, depraved, in rebellion against God and absolutely 100% deserving of his wrath. As Jeremiah says: "Yet I call this to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed." God's grace is lessened and cheapened and his glory and power diminished when I don't include the parts about God's holiness and righteousness, my absolute inability to meet that standard and his grace to grant me righteousness (from God) anyway.
If the book of Romans was a doctoral thesis, then the first 15 verses are like the dedication and preface or introduction and verses 16-17 are the opening arguments for Paul's case (or his thesis that he will argue for the rest of the book). Verse 17b makes a good outline for the book of Romans: The just will live by faith. The actual outline is "By faith, the just will live." Some of Paul's argument is laid out just before that: the gospel displays the power and glory of God because in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed (later we'll see that this righteousness does not come from observing the law but by God's grace, accepted through faith, therefore "The just will live by faith.").
The gospel displays the power of God because it is the story of how God takes a powerless and depraved human race and offers them righteousness and restoration - not through any effort on their part but based solely on the grace of God - if they will simply believe and submit to Jesus' right to rule their lives. What is there to be ashamed of in that?
I think that if I were to honestly examine my life, I am ashamed of the gospel and so is most of Christianity. However, lets not deflect the focus off of myself. I have subtly changed the gospel to: "what are you missing from your life? Christ can meet that felt need or desire." Now the gospel is not the power of God to restore people to their true purpose for their creation but the gospel is nothing more than "God is like a more intelligent Dr. Phil; he can solve your problems without exposing them to an international tv audience." The part of the gospel that I have removed is the part about us being sinners, depraved, in rebellion against God and absolutely 100% deserving of his wrath. As Jeremiah says: "Yet I call this to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed." God's grace is lessened and cheapened and his glory and power diminished when I don't include the parts about God's holiness and righteousness, my absolute inability to meet that standard and his grace to grant me righteousness (from God) anyway.
Friday, May 11, 2007
prayers for the people
Romans 1:8-13
Paul is thankful for the Roman Christians' faith which is being reported all over the world. This makes me wonder why their faith stood out. It could be that they were facing great persecution and were standing firm in the faith or that they were extremely generous (or something else entirely but those two things come to mind). Paul tells them that he prays for them all the time; specifically that he might be able to come and visit them. Paul has longed to visit them for a long time to strengthen and grow their faith and to see many other Gentiles come to Christ as well.
Paul ministered with humility. Often when a superstar Christian comes to town people flock to hear them in order to be blessed. Paul recognized that not only would he be encouraging the people but that they would encourage him. In our Christian faith there is this idea of mutual benefit. It shouldn't surprise us because as we go out to act and speak on behalf of Jesus (in effect to be Jesus to the world) we also find Jesus in the faces of the "least of these." As we seek to become Jesus to those we serve, they become Jesus to us and both are encouraged and built up. This means that when we go on our mission trip or to the seniors center or work at Streets Alive that we are not just ministering to people but we receive from them as well. We need each other. It is not just the professionals ministering to the lay people or the rich ministering to the poor. It is mutual.
What I am really struck with is my need to pray for my people more: my students and my staff, missionaries, co-workers, family, Christians in other parts of the world facing persecution. Paul said he constantly remembered the Roman Christians in his prayers at all times. I want that "all time" kind of prayer life - where I am in constant communion and communication with my Lord.
Paul is thankful for the Roman Christians' faith which is being reported all over the world. This makes me wonder why their faith stood out. It could be that they were facing great persecution and were standing firm in the faith or that they were extremely generous (or something else entirely but those two things come to mind). Paul tells them that he prays for them all the time; specifically that he might be able to come and visit them. Paul has longed to visit them for a long time to strengthen and grow their faith and to see many other Gentiles come to Christ as well.
Paul ministered with humility. Often when a superstar Christian comes to town people flock to hear them in order to be blessed. Paul recognized that not only would he be encouraging the people but that they would encourage him. In our Christian faith there is this idea of mutual benefit. It shouldn't surprise us because as we go out to act and speak on behalf of Jesus (in effect to be Jesus to the world) we also find Jesus in the faces of the "least of these." As we seek to become Jesus to those we serve, they become Jesus to us and both are encouraged and built up. This means that when we go on our mission trip or to the seniors center or work at Streets Alive that we are not just ministering to people but we receive from them as well. We need each other. It is not just the professionals ministering to the lay people or the rich ministering to the poor. It is mutual.
What I am really struck with is my need to pray for my people more: my students and my staff, missionaries, co-workers, family, Christians in other parts of the world facing persecution. Paul said he constantly remembered the Roman Christians in his prayers at all times. I want that "all time" kind of prayer life - where I am in constant communion and communication with my Lord.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Calling
Romans 1:1-6
Paul is very certain of his calling to be an apostle, specifically called to preach the gospel of God. The hint of the gospel is seen as far back as the OT prophets and speaks about Christ - an earthly decendent of David - who was God's Son as evidences by his resurrection from the dead. It is in/under the authority of Christ that Paul now calls Gentiles to faith and obedience in Christ.
The plan of redemption was not a last minute reaction but was foundational to God's vision for humans. Christ's death did not take him by surprise and at no point did God have to improvise a "solution" to the "disaster." Even Paul's use of the word calling indicates that he is very aware of the sovereign plan of God in everything that is happening. He is called, as a part of God's plan, to call people (specifically the Gentiles) to respond to God's plan.
This echoes what Joanne shared with the staff this morning: where I am is the only place I can be in this moment and therefore it is the place I have been ordained to be. My role is to make the most of that opportunity (or calling, to use Paul's word). Even then, it is not me and my strength but as I rely on the teaching, guiding and reminding of the Holy Spirit.
Paul is very certain of his calling to be an apostle, specifically called to preach the gospel of God. The hint of the gospel is seen as far back as the OT prophets and speaks about Christ - an earthly decendent of David - who was God's Son as evidences by his resurrection from the dead. It is in/under the authority of Christ that Paul now calls Gentiles to faith and obedience in Christ.
The plan of redemption was not a last minute reaction but was foundational to God's vision for humans. Christ's death did not take him by surprise and at no point did God have to improvise a "solution" to the "disaster." Even Paul's use of the word calling indicates that he is very aware of the sovereign plan of God in everything that is happening. He is called, as a part of God's plan, to call people (specifically the Gentiles) to respond to God's plan.
This echoes what Joanne shared with the staff this morning: where I am is the only place I can be in this moment and therefore it is the place I have been ordained to be. My role is to make the most of that opportunity (or calling, to use Paul's word). Even then, it is not me and my strength but as I rely on the teaching, guiding and reminding of the Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Being a Man
A final post on Mark Driscoll's message from ReFocus Canada...
I feel like my wife has been waiting for this for a long time but I was too much of a chicken and it felt too "forced" for me. If you know me at all, you'll know that I don't like to do things just because they are expected of me (and yet I'm a huge people pleaser - I know, it seems like a contradiction). So, when someone gave us a book called "Nightlight" or something like that - a book of couple's devotions to do together at night - I balked. Sure we tried it but I didn't really like it. I didn't like the questions - they seemed geared more towards the woman (you know, "how do you feel about...?" type questions. I hate those!!) - and it felt really artificial. It didn't take long until we were doing nothing as far as devotions together.
Mark really challenged me about my role in the home. I need to step up! And so I have been. We don't do devotions every night together because we aren't always home or going to bed at the same time (I'm too wired after youth to go to sleep!). And we aren't doing much - just following a calendar that has a verse (from the King James, no less!), a short meditation and a stanza from a poem or hymn and then we take turns praying. It's not that hard!!
It doesn't feel like a huge deal right now. There were no beams of light from heaven or anything like that but I think it's really good for a number of reasons: 1) I'm stepping up to take the lead in the spiritual life of my family. 2) It allows my wife to see a small insight into my spiritual and emotional side. 3) It a time to connect with my wife - we're so busy that we don't have many other times: We only eat dinner together on Thursdays, most Fridays and Saturdays and most Sunday lunches. I also think that over time we will grow closer than we already are. The spiritual intimacy levels will be raised and will benefit the other areas of intimacy as well (emotional and physical).
I feel like my wife has been waiting for this for a long time but I was too much of a chicken and it felt too "forced" for me. If you know me at all, you'll know that I don't like to do things just because they are expected of me (and yet I'm a huge people pleaser - I know, it seems like a contradiction). So, when someone gave us a book called "Nightlight" or something like that - a book of couple's devotions to do together at night - I balked. Sure we tried it but I didn't really like it. I didn't like the questions - they seemed geared more towards the woman (you know, "how do you feel about...?" type questions. I hate those!!) - and it felt really artificial. It didn't take long until we were doing nothing as far as devotions together.
Mark really challenged me about my role in the home. I need to step up! And so I have been. We don't do devotions every night together because we aren't always home or going to bed at the same time (I'm too wired after youth to go to sleep!). And we aren't doing much - just following a calendar that has a verse (from the King James, no less!), a short meditation and a stanza from a poem or hymn and then we take turns praying. It's not that hard!!
It doesn't feel like a huge deal right now. There were no beams of light from heaven or anything like that but I think it's really good for a number of reasons: 1) I'm stepping up to take the lead in the spiritual life of my family. 2) It allows my wife to see a small insight into my spiritual and emotional side. 3) It a time to connect with my wife - we're so busy that we don't have many other times: We only eat dinner together on Thursdays, most Fridays and Saturdays and most Sunday lunches. I also think that over time we will grow closer than we already are. The spiritual intimacy levels will be raised and will benefit the other areas of intimacy as well (emotional and physical).
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